Today’s question about the Broncos comes from Manny Gonzales in New Mexico.

Q: Ahmad Bradshaw or Marion Barber would have been a better choice for the Broncos at running back. Why does coach John Fox think Knowshon Moreno is a valuable player?

A: The Broncos made a significant addition at running back when they signed free agent Willis McGahee to a four-year contract worth about $9.5 million. They like McGahee’s production in the red zone. He rushed for 12 touchdowns in 2009 and has rushed for 55 touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.

McGahee was one of the Broncos’ top targets in free agency, and they acted quickly when he was released by the Baltimore Ravens.

Bradshaw accepted a four-year contract to stay with the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears gave Barber a two-year contract worth $5 million.

Fox and the Broncos will take a long look at Moreno, a former Georgia star, as they rebuild from last year’s 4-12 season. Moreno was the 12th pick of the 2009 draft, when Josh McDaniels was Denver’s coach. Moreno’s performance hasn’t matched his lofty draft status.

He battled injuries his first two seasons with the Broncos. Last year, he had only three runs of more than 20 yards. But he changed his workout program in the offseason and came to training camp in better shape, having lost 15 pounds.

Fox and the Broncos are confident that Moreno can be a key contributor. He has taken most of the snaps with the No. 1 offense in training camp, but that could change Thursday — when league rules allow McGahee to practice with the Broncos for the first time.

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